Well, here I sit on an airplane, jet-setting across the country from Orlando to Phoenix for a work trip.
My beloved partner dropped me off at the airport and, after a lengthy, proper kiss goodbye, I was on my way. I have a booster in my arm and a mask on my face–and though I still refuse to eat or drink on the plane while everyone else is doing so, this is as normal as I’ve felt since early 2020.
These moments of “normal” are creeping in more and more.
What a luxury it is to dash out to the store for an ingredient I forgot without a second thought.
How lovely it is to be greeted by the harsh light of the Target fitting room–to be able to actually try on clothes.
I hugged a dear friend the other day without a second thought as to whether or not I might kill her and/or be killed by her.
It’s incredible, how good “normal” feels. While the pandemic certainly isn’t over nor close to endemic, the simple luxuries of not hating every single person who generally breathes in my general direction is so beyond lovely it warrants its own post.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever heard is, “Sit with your emotions without judging them.”
How sweet it is to sit with my emotions and not simply smolder with helpless rage. I’ve been burning–just twisting, seething, really–for years now.
As we settle into the new normal, however, that lava cools… and there is new, green growth blossoming from the ashes.
Bring on tomorrow; let it shine.
Sarah Snow 